Chronic Kidney Disease Nutrition Management Training Program

NKDEP has developed Chronic Kidney Disease Nutrition Management, a series of five training modules that use engaging activities and case studies to prepare registered dietitians (RDs) for counseling patients who have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Each module focuses on a specific area of nutrition management for kidney disease patients, including background information on CKD, slowing the progression of CKD, CKD complications, the CKD "diet," and the transition from CKD to kidney failure. The modules also demonstrate how NKDEP's free resources can be used to counsel patients with CKD.

Instructions for use:
The modules are available for download in read-only PowerPoint format. When you open the files, a pop-up box will appear. To view the module content, please click on ‘Read Only’ in the pop-up box. You will not be able to make any edits to the presentations.

Please contact NKDEP if you need assistance with downloading the files or adapting the content into a different format. We are pleased to support your efforts in educating RDs in CKD.

Module 1 – Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease

This module provides a frame of reference for the entire program by reviewing kidney anatomy and functions; as well as the causes, burden, and cost of kidney failure in the U.S. Learn how to identify and monitor kidney disease using both the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Medicare's medical nutrition therapy benefit for CKD is briefly discussed.

An activity takes you to NKDEP's online eGFR calculator to see how serum creatinine, gender, age and ethnicity impact eGFR results.

(Note: Interactive training modules are not available for mobile platforms. Please visit this page using a desktop web browser.)

The interactive elements in this module may not work properly in all browsers. For non-interactive offline training, download this module(PPT, 3.33 MB)

Module 2 – Slow Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease

This module reviews how intake of certain nutrients is reflected in urinary excretion; which antihypertensive medications increase the risk for hyperkalemia in CKD; and how diabetes control impacts CKD and how CKD progression may impact diabetes control. Interventions to lower albuminuria and control lipids in CKD are discussed. Using a case study format, follow Frank's journey as he rapidly approaches kidney failure to see how the diet and medications may interact in hypertension and diabetes in CKD.

(Note: Interactive training modules are not available for mobile platforms. Please visit this page using a desktop web browser.)

The interactive elements in this module may not work properly in all browsers. For non-interactive offline training, download this module(PPT, 5.21 MB)

Module 3 – Complications

Who would have thought that declining kidney function could result in anemia and bone disease? Another case study is used to follow Joseph's journey as he tries to lose weight for placement on the kidney transplant list. He experiences CKD complications along the way, including anemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, and bone disease. See how NKDEP's Your Kidney Test Results(PDF, 262.37 KB) and individual nutrient handouts can be used as part of self-management education.

(Note: Interactive training modules are not available for mobile platforms. Please visit this page using a desktop web browser.)

The interactive elements in this module may not work properly in all browsers. For non-interactive offline training, download this module(PPT, 4.3 MB)

Module 4 – The "Diet" for Chronic Kidney Disease

Diet prescriptions in CKD must be individualized; one size does not fit all. This module briefly reviews weight and calorie needs in CKD. Dietary reference intakes; nutrient content of food groups; and sources of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein are reviewed. Population data is presented showing national trends in nutrient intakes and provides evidence that potassium should be restricted based on serum level, not eGFR.

Module 5 begins with a case study that shows how diet and medications impact Maria's journey to kidney failure and reviews how to modify meal plans to lower sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. Simple graphics are provided to help clients learn how they can prepare for renal replacement therapy – Hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), and kidney transplantation. Learn how HD and PD treatments differ and review why the diet requirements are not the same. The pros and cons of each option are included. Numerous patient resources are shown for use when discussing treatment options. The entire program content is briefly reviewed at the end.

(Note: Interactive training modules are not available for mobile platforms. Please visit this page using a desktop web browser.)

The interactive elements in this module may not work properly in all browsers. For non-interactive offline training, download this module(PPT, 8.53 MB)

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) is offering continuing professional education credits for the five NKDEP modules. To receive a Certificate of Training for the Chronic Kidney Disease Nutrition Management training, participants must complete all five modules and pass a final exam.

September 2013

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